A HYGIENIC ABSORBENT ARTICLE COMPRISING A FASTENING MEMBER

Abstract

A fastening member for a hygienic absorbent article, such as a diaper, the fastening member including a water-soluble resin, wherein the water-soluble resin dissolves in an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius, wherein the fastening member is disintegrated and/or dissolved at a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius. A hygienic absorbent article including the fastening member, a method for treating the hygienic absorbent article and/or use of the fastening member for providing a hygienic absorbent article or recyclable disposal bag.

Claims

1. A fastening member for a hygienic absorbent article, the fastening member comprising a water-soluble resin, wherein the water-soluble resin dissolves in an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius, wherein the fastening member is disintegrated and/or dissolved at a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius and wherein the resin can remain undissolved or substantially undissolved a temperature below about 40° C.

2. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution has a temperature within a range of from 40 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celcius.

3. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water and optionally alcohol.

4. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble resin comprises one or more of the following polymers: polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, polyethylene oxide, carboxymethyl cellulose, or a copolymer of any one of the foregoing polymers, or a combination of any one of the foregoing polymers or copolymers.

5. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble resin comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

6. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol is derived from polyvinyl acetate.

7. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol comprises a degree of hydrolysis from 70 mole % to 100 mole %.

8. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol comprises a degree of hydrolysis from 99 mole % to 100 mole %.

9. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol comprises a degree of hydrolysis from 98 mole % to 99 mole %.

10. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol comprises a degree of hydrolysis from 90 mole % to 98 mol %.

11. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol comprises a degree of hydrolysis from 85 mole % to 90 mol %.

12. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol has a molecular weight from 13,000 g/mole to 186,000 g/mole.

13. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein a 4 wt % aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol has a viscosity from 3 cps to 72 cps.

14. The fastening member according to claim 5, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol has a glass transition temperature, T.sub.g, from 58 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius.

15. The fastening member according to claim 1, which does not comprise an anti-foaming agent.

16. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is a disposal fastening member.

17. A hygienic absorbent article comprising the fastening member according to claim 1.

18. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 17, which is an open type diaper.

19. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 17, comprising an absorbent core disposed between an inner coversheet and an outer coversheet.

20. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein the fastening member is adapted to fasten to at least a portion of the outer cover sheet which allows the article to be secured in a compact disposal configuration.

21. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein the fastening member is attached to a carrier material.

22. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 21, wherein the carrier material comprises a water-soluble resin, wherein the water-soluble resin dissolves in an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius.

23. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 19, wherein the outer cover sheet comprises a landing zone adapted to attach to the fastening member.

24. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 19, wherein the outer coversheet comprises the fastening member, wherein the fastening member is a disposal fastening member.

25. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 14 further comprising a water-soluble disposal bag.

26. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 25, wherein the water-soluble disposal bag comprises a fastening member, the fastening member comprising, a water-soluble resin, wherein the water-soluble resin dissolves in an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius, wherein the fastening member is disintegrated and/or dissolved at a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius.

27. The hygienic absorbent article according to claim 25, which is provided as a kit comprising (i) the hygienic absorbent article, (ii) the water-soluble disposal bag and (iii) optionally instructions for use.

28. A method for treating a hygienic absorbent article according to claim 17, the method comprising the steps of: a) subjecting the hygienic absorbent article to an aqueous solution at a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius, b) allowing the fastening member and optionally any further components of the absorbent article that are soluble in the aqueous solution to disintegrate and/or dissolve in the aqueous solution thereby providing (i) a further aqueous solution and (ii) absorbent article components not soluble in the aqueous solution, and c) separating (i) and (ii) of step b) from each other.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising a step d): d) recovering, recycling or disposing (i) and/or (ii).

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein step a) is performed at a temperature within the range from 40 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein the method comprises stirring and dissolving the fastening member and optionally any further components of the absorbent article that are soluble in the aqueous solution in a processor having a rotation drum.

32. The method according to claim 28 which does not comprise an anti-foaming agent.

33-58. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The present disclosure will be further explained hereinafter by means of non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0056] FIG. 1 shows an open type diaper provided with fastening members as described herein.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows an open type diaper according to FIG. 1 rolled up into a compact configuration;

[0058] FIGS. 3A-3E show the procedure in which the diaper of FIG. 1 is folded into a compact configuration;

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a pant type diaper provided with a disposal fastening member as described herein;

[0060] FIG. 5 shows the pant type diaper 1 of FIG. 4 which has been brought into a rolled up configuration wherein the disposal fastening member 5 attaches to the outer coversheet 4; and FIGS. 6A to 6C show the diaper of FIG. 3D before and after it has been subjected to an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius.

[0061] FIG. 7A shows a disposal bag in an open configuration.

[0062] FIG. 7B shows a side view of a disposal bag 101 when it is in a configuration about to be closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components, such as layers of material are not necessarily drawn to scale. The hygienic absorbent articles shown in the figures are provided as examples only and should not be considered limiting to the invention as disclosed herein. As set out herein, the fastener member as disclosed herein is applicable to any type of hygienic absorbent article which is folded or rolled-up and fastened in a disposal configuration after use, such as pant-type absorbent articles of the open or closed kind, sanitary napkins, incontinence protectors, bed protectors, seat protectors, etc.

[0064] A hygienic absorbent article provided with a fastening member in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The diaper 1 comprises an absorbent core 2 that is disposed between an inner coversheet 3 and an outer coversheet 4. Further, the diaper 1 comprises first fastening members 5, and a second fastening member 7 located on the outer coversheet 4. The first fastening members 5 and/or the second fastening member 7 may comprise a water-soluble resin as described herein, Thus, the first fastening members 5 and/or the second fastening member 7 may be a fastening member in accordance with the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the second fastening member 7 may be replaced with a landing zone as described herein.

[0065] FIG. 2 shows the hygienic absorbent article of FIG. 1 that is rolled up into a compact disposal configuration. It will be appreciated that this configuration makes the hygienic absorbent article easy and hygienic to handle and transport and suitable for being collected and subjected to a treatment process as described herein.

[0066] FIGS. 3A-3E show the procedure in which the diaper of FIG. 1 is folded into a compact configuration. FIG. 3A is a top inner view of the diaper 1. The diaper 1 has a rear portion 20, a crotch portion 30, a front portion 10 and first fastening members 5 which are positioned on the rear portion 20 of the diaper 1. It is to be understood that the fastening members 5 could equally well be positioned on the front portion 11 of the diaper 1. FIG. 3B shows the diaper of FIG. 3A with the rear portion 20 folded inwardly so as to cover the entire area of the crotch portion 30. At the same time side flaps 11 of the front portion 10 are folded inwardly onto the inner cover sheet 3. Then the diaper 1 is wound with the folded edge of the rear portion 20 acting as a core, as a roll toward the front portion 10 as shown in FIG. 3C. This winding or rolling-up is continued until the second fastening member 7 which is arranged on the outer surface of the front portion 10 comes to the outside of the roll as shown in FIG. 3D. At that time, side flaps 21 of the rear flap 20 and the two first fastening members 5 extend laterally in opposite directions from opposite ends of the roll of the diaper 1 as shown in FIG. 3D. Finally, the first fastening members 5 are folded inwardly over the rolled diaper 1 and are attached to the second fastening member 7 which is exposed on the outside of the roll, as shown in FIG. 3E. It will be appreciated that the second fastening member 7 may be replaced with a landing zone as described herein.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows a pant type diaper 1 provided with a disposal fastening member 5 as described herein. The fastening member 5 is located on an outer coversheet 4 of the diaper 1.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows the pant type diaper 1 of FIG. 5 which has been brought into a rolled up configuration wherein the disposal fastening member 5 attaches to the outer coversheet 4.

[0069] FIGS. 6A to 6C show the diaper 1 of FIG. 3E before and after it has been subjected to an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius, such as from 65 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius. FIG. 6A shows the diaper 1 in FIG. 3E before exposure to the aqueous solution. FIG. 6B shows the diaper 1 after exposure to the aqueous solution, wherein the first fastening members 5 have been partly dissolved and are detached from the second fastening member 7 thereby opening the diaper 1. The configuration which is assumed by the diaper 1 in FIG. 6C follows on the configuration assumed by the diaper 1 in FIG. 7B and shows that the first fastening members 5 eventually are dissolved in the aqueous solution. Thus, FIGS. 6A-6C show the initial steps of the treatment method described herein and may be followed by further method steps as described herein.

[0070] FIG. 7A shows a disposal bag 101 in an open configuration. The disposal bag 101 comprises a closure flap 103 and a pouch portion 104. The closure flap 103 is provided with a fastening member 101. The pouch portion 104 is provided with a fastening member 102. The fastening members 101 and 102 are configured to be able to attach to each other when the closure flap 103 is folded over the pouch portion 104. For instance, the fastening member 101 may comprise hooks and the fastening member 102 may comprise loops or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening member 101 and/or the fastening member 102 may comprise an adhesive. The hooks, loops and/or adhesive may be arranged on a carrier material. Further, the fastening member 101 and/or the fastening member 104 may comprise or consist of a water-soluble resin as described herein. Thus, the fastening member 101 and/or the fastening member 104 may comprise or consist of a water-soluble resin, wherein the water-soluble resin dissolves in an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius, wherein the fastening member is disintegrated and/or dissolved at a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally or alternatively, the disposal bag may comprise or consist of a water-soluble resin as described herein such as a water-soluble resin, wherein the water-soluble resin dissolves in an aqueous solution having a temperature equal to or above 40 degrees Celsius, wherein the disposal bag is disintegrated and/or dissolved at a temperature equal to or above 65 degrees Celsius.

[0071] FIG. 7B shows a side view of the disposal bag 101 when the disposal bag 101 is in a configuration about to be closed.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the disposal bag described herein may be provided with alternative fastening members such as a zip lock or other types of snap-in fasteners fastening members. Further, the disposal bag described herein may have a size suitable for accommodating one or more hygienic absorbent articles such as diapers described herein.

[0073] Determination of Water Solubility

[0074] The water solubility described herein, such as the water solubility of an object such as the fastening member described herein, may be determined as follows. The object with a weight of 10 grams (g) is put into a 500 milliliter (mL) vessel. Water is added in an amount of 30 times the object weight. The water may be stirred during the examination. The temperature of the water or the aqueous solution may be adjusted as desired and the examination may take place immediately or after a desired time such as one hour. The examination may take place by ocular inspection. Additionally or alternatively, the water solubility may be determined as described in the Example section of this document.

[0075] The disclosure is illustrated by the following non-limitative Example.

Example

[0076] Purpose:

[0077] The purpose of the test was to find at which temperature and time the selected polymers was completely dissolved.

[0078] Test Set Up:

[0079] 950 ml water at room temperature was mixed with 50 g polymer resin during stirring. The water was gradually heated and when the polymer started to dissolve the temperature was stabilized.

[0080] The time needed and the temperature when the polymer was dissolved was recorded. The solution was then poured through a 500 micron sieve. The polymer was considered dissolved when the liquid passed through without leaving residues in the sieve.

[0081] Polymers Tested:

[0082] The following polyvinyl alcohol polymers were tested: [0083] Mowiflex H15, lot no: P 17-6-0030 [0084] Mowiflex C600, lot no: P 17-5-0029 [0085] Mowiflex M 05, lot no: DS 1116.1

[0086] Supplier Kuraray Europe GmbH.

[0087] Equipment Used:

[0088] A magnetic stirrer with heated plate, RCT basic, IKA Werke.

[0089] A digital thermometer, Testo 922, Testo AG

[0090] 2000 ml beaker, Schott

[0091] Balance, BCE 6202-1S Sartorius Laboratory instruments GmbH & Co. KG

[0092] Sieve 500 micron, Retch Analysen Sieb

[0093] Results:

[0094] Dissolution test 1, Mowiflex H15.

[0095] The polymer was completely dissolved at 83 degr. C. Time needed, 30 minutes.

[0096] Dissolution test 2, Mowiflex C600.

[0097] The polymer was completely dissolved at 42 degr. C. Time needed, 20 minutes.

[0098] Dissolution test 3, Mowiflex M05.

[0099] The polymer was completely dissolved at 80 degr. C. Time needed, 40 minutes.